Tawny Thieu, owner of the high-glam fashion boutique Pink Pump is not about to stop continuing to succeed in Ann Arbor. Her fast-growing brand has recently opened a new “alter ego” store called P2 (read about the fashion show debuting the new line in the fashion section). Thieu’s well-tuned business skills combined with her passion for fashion proved to be a successful match. She was honored in 2009 by the Michigan Business and Professional Association and the National Association of Women Business Owners for being for being one of the top ten businesswomen in Michigan, which is no small feat in this economy.
Piles of plain tees and faded jeans.
Thieu’s career in business started by opening a salon with her brother-in-law after graduating from collage with a degree in business. “A year after,” Thieu said, “I decided to revisit my first passion—fashion, and opened my first store.”
After moving from Keego Harbor to Bloomfield Hills, Shoe Envy, which became Pink Pump in June 2009, was soon dubbed the best kept secret in the town. Thieu opened her fourth store on East Liberty St. in July 2010.
Ann Arbor’s college campus and quickly evolving fashion shopping center was what drew her to Ann Arbor during that time.
The wall of clutches and purses nearby the dressing rooms.
Yelena Crawford, manager of Ann Arbor’s Pink Pump explained that because of the student population, her store is becoming more and more similar to P2, while still retaining the glamour of Pink Pump. Ann Arbor’s Pink Pump features many shoes that are youthful and under $50.00, which also sell in P2. But, Crawford doesn’t plan on losing any of the sophistication of Pink Pump. She said she would like to keep the store, “half Pink Pump, and half P2.
” The store itself is completely unique from other Pink Pump stores. Each store tries to cater to its location as best as possible. Color-coordinated tables stacked with sparkly jewelry invite customers into the door. One wall is lined with shoes, the other, purses and dressing rooms.
In the center of the small store is a display piled high with clothes. Denim vests and faded jeans show off the best of this season’s trends, along with maxi dresses and solid tees. The Pink Pump store in Ann Arbor has a wonderful, unique atmosphere, while still retaining the chain’s glamour and low price. Pink Pump and P2 are planning to go national soon, but the Pink Pump in Ann Arbor is open on 601 E. Liberty downtown.
